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Parents and Families Welcomed into the Triton Community with Family Weekend

Kristin Luciani | Nov. 1, 2010

The a capela group the Tritones performs during Family Fun Night.
Click here to view slide show

More than 400 families came together on the campus for Family Weekend, Oct. 22 to 24. Now in its third year, the annual weekend offers an array of events for families and students to connect with the campus community, exploring the myriad resources and opportunities available at UC San Diego.

 “This weekend is a celebration and a revelation—a snapshot of all we do,” said Provost Steven Adler of Warren College, welcoming parents and families to the university. “We encourage you to explore the campus and see what we have to offer.”

A new tradition for the university, the weekend was established in 2008 by the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs as a way to strengthen parent and family engagement and build a community that supports a successful college experience. 

Kicking off the weekend, families joined students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends for the annual Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars. A favorite campus tradition, over the past 15 years the event has raised more than $2 million, providing scholarship support to 835 students. After the race, parents and families exercised their minds with “Classes without Quizzes,” a selection of dynamic faculty discussions ranging from morality and ethics to 15th century Chinese maritime expeditions and wildlife conservation. Later, students and families were encouraged to unwind while enjoying a sampling of talented student entertainment at “Family Fun Night.” The showcase included performances by UC San Diego’s award-winning a cappella group, the Tritones, the Japanese drumming ensemble Asayake Taiko, hip hop dance troupe Ascension and the headliner of the night, National Comedy Theatre.

Chancellor Marye Anne Fox welcomes families.

“Family weekend is the perfect time to check in with your student,” said Ken and Norah Fischbach of Walnut Creek, Calif. “Our daughter is a current freshman at Thurgood Marshall College and our son graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt College in June, so this is a great opportunity to reconnect with the university.”

On Saturday, families enjoyed a continental breakfast and musical performances by UC San Diego students at the 50th Anniversary Family Breakfast and Welcome with Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. Chancellor Fox greeted parents and families with a warm welcome into the Triton community. “This is an especially exciting time for your student to be at UC San Diego, as we are celebrating our 50th a nniversary,” said Fox. Fox continued with a preview of upcoming celebratory events, including Founder’s Day, Nov.  18. “It’s going to be a big celebration. I was just told that there will be an 18-foot jumbo-tron and a fantastic band that, parents, neither you nor I have heard of,” Fox humorously added.
 
Following the chancellor, Provost Steven Adler introduced UC San Diego’s college system. “The college system approach provides customized general education requirements for a liberal arts education that complements the student’s major, fostering a holistic education,” said Adler. “But the colleges do more than define general education requirements—they provide programs and resources to support students in their development as responsible citizens and scholars.” Adler continued to explain the colleges’ role in providing academic support, counseling and psychological services, student life programming and residential life services—a comprehensive coordination of resources and programs by staff and faculty dedicated to ensuring a safe and supportive environment for students.

Families also heard from UC San Diego alumnus and fellow parent Anthony Jackson, who offered a few pieces of advice to first year parents. “Keep your phone handy, your car full of gas and an emergency stash of money, because you never know when your student’s ‘crisis of the moment’ will occur,” said Jackson. “And care packages are greatly appreciated.”

Students and their parents visit the Birch Aquarium.

After breakfast, families spent time getting to know their students colleges. Each of the six colleges offered a program tailored to reflect the individual college’s unique philosophy and featured engaging speakers, student performances and the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff.

Sports, arts, environmental sustainability, health and wellness—the rest of the day offered something for everyone. Tours of the Conrad Prebys Music Center and Stuart Collection showcased some of the university’s finest in performing and visual arts. Sports fans were introduced to Triton athletics with a men’s water polo game and women’s volleyball game, while Outback Adventure’s climbing wall offered a challenge for those with an adventurous spirit.  More than 500 guests visited the Birch Aquarium at one of the most popular attractions of the day. Also popular was “The Reality of Med School,” a panel discussion with current UC San Diego medical students and Career Services Center staff that shared an inside look at the admissions process and real student experience in medical school.

Families also had the chance to explore campus resources such as the brand new wellness hub, The Zone, and the Sustainability Resource Center.  After all of that, a “social hour” at The Loft provided a space to relax and mingle with other families, students, staff and faculty.

Families try out rock climbing at the Canyonview climbing center.

“The campus is gorgeous and that alone makes you want to be here,” said parent Nancy Lemon from Prescott, Ariz. “And then the people here are so friendly—the students, staff and faculty—you automatically feel welcomed and wanted in this community.”

The festivities concluded Sunday with the annual Green Eggs and Ham Brunch, a Seuss-themed event celebrating two of UC San Diego’s benefactors, Theodore—also known as Dr. Seuss—and Audrey Geisel. Entertainment from the UC San Diego Libraries’ Teeny Tiny Pit Orchestra complemented a Suess-themed meal, while a slideshow showcased some of Geisel’s original drawings, political cartoons and ads.

Before the brunch concluded, Provost Allan Houston of Eleanor Roosevelt College summed up the idea behind the tradition of Family Weekend. “A successful college career is a collective achievement,” said Houston. “Parents and families, faculty and staff, public and private support—there are many people who work to make a student’s education possible. Each one of you has the capacity to contribute to UC San Diego.”

UC San Diego Welcomes Parents and Families into the Triton Community with Family Weekend.


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